Teens are involved in more than their fair share of collisions. Tragically, these crashes can cost lives, especially when alcohol or drugs are involved.
If you were hurt in a teen driving accident in Mankato, contact a local lawyer as soon as possible. Claims for wrecks caused by teenagers can be more complicated than when an adult was behind the wheel. You will need an experienced auto collision attorney to get the compensation you deserve.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, teens account for six percent of licensed drivers but are involved in 16 percent of accidents. Teenagers are often poor drivers because they lack experience and do not appreciate the risks of driving.
Teens may also have poor impulse control, leading to decisions that cause crashes. Other common reasons for accidents include the following:
Distracted driving is a concern with all drivers, but especially with teenage drivers. They might find it difficult to avoid answering a call, reading or responding to a text message, or watching a video while driving. This reckless behavior can cause severe collisions for teen drivers in Mankato.
Minnesota has a graduated license system that allows teens to practice driving with restrictions. This requires them to gain documented experience before the restrictions are lifted.
A teen can qualify for a learner’s permit once they reach 15, have completed a driver safety course, and are enrolled in a hands-on course. Teens with an instructional permit cannot drive unless a parent, certified driving instructor, or other licensed driver over 21 is in the vehicle.
When a teenager is at least 16, has held an instructional permit for at least six months, and has completed the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases of driver education, they may apply for a provisional license.
Provisional license holders usually cannot drive between midnight and five in the morning and may not carry more than one passenger. When a teen has held the provisional license for at least one year and has had no convictions for alcohol-related or moving violations relating to a crash, they can apply for a full unrestricted license.
Car accident claims involving teen drivers in Mankato are subject to the state’s no-fault rules. You may bring a claim against an at-fault driver when you can prove the driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries required at least $4000 in medical treatment or caused significant disability (permanent or last at least 60 days).
Getting compensation can be complicated when you are injured in a crash involving a teen driver. Although the teen’s insurance company should pay for your losses, sometimes it is necessary and appropriate to hold their parents or others responsible for the crash.
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney after a teen driving accident in Mankato. They can guide you through the process and ensure you receive your deserved compensation.
